The Bhagavad Gita according to Swami Vivekananda, Spanish
For , the Bhagavad Gita was not merely a book, but a "lifelong companion" that traveled with him across the Indian subcontinent and eventually to the West. As the foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda saw the Gita as the practical heart of Vedanta.
He emphasized that the scripture teaches the ultimate secret of existence: maintaining "eternal calm" in the midst of "intense activity."
This Spanish edition, translated and presented by Pedro Nonell, brings Vivekananda's vigorous and liberating interpretation to a new audience, highlighting the "Yoga of Synthesis" that harmonizes work, knowledge, and devotion.
The Bhagavad Gita explained by Swami Vivekananda. Nishkama Karma, Work without desire or attachment
The Bhagavad Gita was the “lifelong companion” of Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of the saint . In 1888, Swami Vivekananda began his journey as a wandering monk (Sannyasin). Between 1888 and 1893, he traveled to many states of India and visited almost all parts of the country. In that period, he had almost nothing with him apart from a kamandalu and two books: a copy of “Imitation of Christ” and the second book was the Bhagavad Gita.
For Swami Vivekananda, Knowledge of the Atman, the infinite Soul, is the highest goal of the Bhagavad Gita:
“The Bhagavad Gita is the best available commentary on philosophy; Curiously, the scene takes place on the battlefield, where Sri Krishna teaches him this philosophy, and the doctrine that stands out luminously on every page of the Bhagavad Gita is that of intense activity, but in the midst of it, eternal calm. This is the secret of work. This is the secret of work, to achieve what is the goal of Vedanta. The less you read, the better. Read the Bhagavad Gita and other good works on Vedanta. That's all you need. The current education system is wrong.” Swami Vivekananda.
Subject Syllabus:
- Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita according to
- Some Comments on Swami Vivekananda's Bhagavad Gita
- On the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita, the personality of Sri Krishna, the great war of Kurukshetra and the historicity of its characters. The knowledge that leads to the acquisition of Dharma
- Krishna according to
- Main points of the Bhagavad Gita and the culmination of Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)
- Reconciliation between the different Paths of Yoga (Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti)
- Nishkama Karma (Karma Yoga): work without desire or attachment
Karma Yoga (Action) (Karma Yoga by )
“Nishkama Karma (Karma Yoga): work without desire or attachment
People today understand what this means in various ways. Some say that what
being detached means is losing meaning. If that were its true meaning, then
“heartless brutes” and “walls” would be the best exponents of the realization of
Nishkama Karma.
Many others, again, set the example of King Janaka and wish to be equally
recognized as ancient masters in the practice of Nishkama Karma! Janaka
(literally father) did not acquire that distinction by giving birth to children,
but all these people want to be Janakas, with the only qualification of being
parents of a brood of children!
No! True Nishkama Karmi (desireless performance of work) should not be brute-like, inert, or ruthless. It is not Tamasic but pure Sattva. His heart is so full of love and sympathy that he can embrace the whole World with his love.
In general, the world cannot comprehend his all-encompassing love and sympathy.
Reconciliation of the different paths of Dharma and work without desire or
attachment are the two special characteristics of the Bhagavad Gita”
Swami Vivekananda.
Free e-book: Life of Swami Vivekananda (summary)
India: spiritual power of the world
The Bhagavad Gita explained by Swami Vivekananda in Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the significance of the Bhagavad Gita in Vivekananda's travels?
During his years as a wandering monk, Vivekananda carried only two books: The Imitation of Christ and the Bhagavad Gita. He considered the Gita the best possible commentary on the philosophy of the Vedas, essential for understanding the Atman (Infinite Soul).
What is "Nishkama Karma" according to Vivekananda?
Vivekananda clarified that Nishkama Karma (selfless action) is not about being heartless or inert. It is a state of Pure Sattva—where the heart is so full of love for the world that one works without attachment to personal fruits, embracing all of humanity through service.
How did Vivekananda reconcile the different paths of Yoga?
He promoted the Yoga of Synthesis, teaching that Karma (Action), Jnana (Knowledge), and Bhakti (Devotion) are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they are different facets of the same spiritual journey toward liberation from ignorance.
Who is the translator, Pedro Nonell?
Pedro Nonell is a Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta. His translations of Vivekananda's works and his own commentaries seek to bridge the gap between ancient Eastern wisdom and modern Western life.
Conclusion
The interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Vivekananda remains a powerful call to action and self-realization. By focusing on the strength of the Atman and the necessity of selfless work, he transformed the Gita into a manual for the modern hero.
Whether through the path of Knowledge or the path of Devotion to God, Vivekananda’s vision—now accessible in Spanish through Pedro Nonell’s work—urges us to "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."
His teachings remind us that true spirituality is found in the synthesis of intense activity and inner stillness.
Bhagavad Gita según 
Bhagavad-Gita of acordo com .
Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita
Course: Bhagavad Gita (Karma, Bhakti, Jnana)
Advanced courses:
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
